My top tip for New Professionals is don’t underestimate how great it is to be newly qualified! While it may feel like others have more experience than you, you also have a really up to date skill set and will have focussed on topics in your qualifications that some members of the profession haven’t trained in for a long time – or even ever! And don’t be afraid to ask questions – the Archives NRA jiscmail is a friendly and supportive place where your colleagues are only too willing to share advice, it’s a very collaborative sector where we’re all willing to discuss mistakes and learn from them which I find utterly wonderful.
It’s not uncommon for new professionals to feel intimidated at work because of our relative inexperience, but it’s really important that we contribute to professional discussions and have the confidence to ask to be involved with projects and work that will diversify our skills. It shows that you are engaged and willing to learn, and the different perspective you bring as someone more recently qualified is likely to be met with a supportive and receptive response from colleagues.
Ben Bullman – Social Media Officer
My top tip is this: If you are a new professional is to try out new things. The role of an archivist has changed so much in the 21st century, with the combination of records management, the methodologies of photographic and moving image collections, and of course, digital archiving. We should always be looking at going to training, talks and webinars, but especially the ones that you may find challenging. Keeping up to date with current technologies and thinking is the best way to drive the sector forward
Amy Finn – Secretary
Ask for help when you need it and don’t be afraid of being a beginner. There’s lots to learn from others if you ask, but also lots that others can learn from you, whatever background you come from. I came from a retail background and really felt that I had nothing to offer the sector, but on reflection I realise that an inquiring mind and asking questions of established professionals about how and why they do things can actually be really stimulating; I really enjoy people asking me questions like that, and I wish that I hadn’t spent so much time thinking I must be a bother!
Jennifer Roach – Treasurer
Joseph Hettrick- Blog Co-ordinator
The best advice which I have been given is to be unafraid to reach out to ask questions.
Nicole Hartland – Digital Training Officer
Helena Clarkson- Careers Officer
Erin McRae– Ireland Representative
Volunteer as much as possible! I know it can be difficult especially without being paid but if you’re able to I can’t recommend volunteering highly enough. The amount of learning you can do working with others in the field you’re trying to break into is invaluable.
The New Archivist 